"Skinny-ing" a .308 Barrel

Art Eatman · July 28, 2000, 07:59 PM

I'm wanting to rework a 700 ADL in .308 to a lightweight walking-hunting critter. Does anybody know of any reason not to turn the barrel down to the wall-thickness of the Weatherbys? I'm also figuring on cutting it back to 22" or even 20"...

Thanx, Art

Jon K · July 29, 2000, 12:24 AM

Art,
Turning down a barrel interduces stress into the barrel. It never fails that a barrel that is turned down will fail to be accurite as it tends to change point of aim as it heats up. If you want a skinny barrel, buy one and have it installed by a professional gunsmith. Cutting the barrel to a shorter lenth does not usually hurt accuracy, but you will loose some FPS.
Hope this helps.

------------------
NRA MEMBER? GREAT, NOW JOIN GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA

George Stringer · July 29, 2000, 08:27 AM

Art, I agree with some of what Jon said. Turning the barrel does introduce stress. It will also increase bbl whip. But, I've found that with most, whether they were made lightweight or re contoured that a bedding pad near the front of the stock will greatly enhance the accuracy. A barrel that has been recontoured won't heat up any faster than a featherweight from the factory. George

Art Eatman · July 29, 2000, 10:14 AM

For the uses I envision, two rapid shots into 1-1/2" is plenty-good accuracy. I'm figuring shots on deer within 200 yards...Anybody think I'd LIKELY have worse accuracy? Really, if the first shot from a cold barrel regularly goes to the point of aim, I'm basically okay.

George, I guess you've read my posts about my "wax-paper shim" deal; works as does your pad. I'll definitely have a "damper" out at the front of the stock.

Regards, Art

Art Eatman · July 31, 2000, 03:49 PM

Ha! In the FWIW department, I just got my new issue of Guns & Ammo, today. Grits Gresham's column details doing just what I asked about, above...

, Art

July 28, 2000, 07:59 PM	#1
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I'm wanting to rework a 700 ADL in .308 to a lightweight walking-hunting critter. Does anybody know of any reason not to turn the barrel down to the wall-thickness of the Weatherbys? I'm also figuring on cutting it back to 22" or even 20"... Thanx, Art

July 29, 2000, 12:24 AM	#2
Jon K Member Join Date: April 20, 2000 Location: Driggs, Idaho Posts: 74	Art, Turning down a barrel interduces stress into the barrel. It never fails that a barrel that is turned down will fail to be accurite as it tends to change point of aim as it heats up. If you want a skinny barrel, buy one and have it installed by a professional gunsmith. Cutting the barrel to a shorter lenth does not usually hurt accuracy, but you will loose some FPS. Hope this helps. ------------------ NRA MEMBER? GREAT, NOW JOIN GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA

July 29, 2000, 08:27 AM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Art, I agree with some of what Jon said. Turning the barrel does introduce stress. It will also increase bbl whip. But, I've found that with most, whether they were made lightweight or re contoured that a bedding pad near the front of the stock will greatly enhance the accuracy. A barrel that has been recontoured won't heat up any faster than a featherweight from the factory. George

July 29, 2000, 10:14 AM	#4
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	For the uses I envision, two rapid shots into 1-1/2" is plenty-good accuracy. I'm figuring shots on deer within 200 yards...Anybody think I'd LIKELY have worse accuracy? Really, if the first shot from a cold barrel regularly goes to the point of aim, I'm basically okay. George, I guess you've read my posts about my "wax-paper shim" deal; works as does your pad. I'll definitely have a "damper" out at the front of the stock. Regards, Art

July 31, 2000, 03:49 PM	#5
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Ha! In the FWIW department, I just got my new issue of Guns & Ammo, today. Grits Gresham's column details doing just what I asked about, above... , Art